Helping Host Communities#ISCGPhotostory

Almost one fourth of planned activities and requested funds under the Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis is targeted for Bangladeshi host communities (336,000 persons) directly impacted by the crisis, acknowledging that the presence of 900,000 Rohingya refugees has had a considerable effect on the local communities who have often been the first responders in this influx.

"The Government and people of Bangladesh have opened their borders, homes and hearts to a people who have been forced to flee targeted persecution. Support to the host communities affected by the crisis is an important part of the Joint Response Plan for 2018, and its implementation depends upon timely support from donors and through integrated social cohesion activities, many of which are underway,” says Sumbul Rizvi, the Senior Coordinator of the Rohingya Refugee Response.

Under the JRP, there are 101 projects, targeted at host communities, across 10 sectors ranging from Education, Food Security, Health, WASH and others. In preparation for the monsoon connecting roads in Ukhia and Teknaf are being repaired; 20 public buildings are being assessed and upgraded for possible shelters: and main waterways (canals) are being dredged to avoid overflow and flooding. Many local NGOs run by the people of Cox’s Bazar district are included in the Joint Response Plan, as partners or with independent projects and are currently providing relief to refugees and host communities.

In this crisis, given the scale, the numbers, the terrain, the host community has played a vital role in sheltering refugees in the early days. The challenges are many, and with renewed support to host communities including efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen their resilience, we trust that this partnership will continue.